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Carnivàle

Carnivàle
★ 7.9/10•2003•54m•TV-MA•Sci-Fi & Fantasy•Mystery•Drama
Similars

Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.

Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.

StatusCanceled
Runtime54m
LanguageEN
First Air DateSep 14, 2003

Episodes

Episode 1 - MilfayE158m

Milfay

Ben reluctantly joins the carnival after the bank forecloses on his family's Oklahoma farm. Brother Justin has a bizarre encounter with a poor parishioner. Sofie has a run-in at a small-town gas station.

Sep 14, 2003

Episode 2 - After the Ball Is OverE257m

After the Ball Is Over

Ben uncovers a piece of his past as a result of Jones' sense of humor. Justin tries to persuade a parishioner to make a deal in real estate. Sofie endures a frightening mishap involving her mother. Samson changes the carnival's course.

Sep 21, 2003

Episode 3 - TiptonE350m

Tipton

Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.

Sep 28, 2003

Episode 4 - Black BlizzardE447m

Black Blizzard

Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.

Oct 5, 2003

Episode 5 - BabylonE549m

Babylon

Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.

Oct 12, 2003

Episode 6 - Pick a NumberE657m

Pick a Number

Revenge-minded carnies practice their own form of retribution. Justin encounters a group of hobos on his journey of self-discovery. Ben returns from another strange experience.

Oct 19, 2003

Episode 7 - The RiverE752m

The River

After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.

Oct 26, 2003

Episode 8 - Lonnigan, TexasE858m

Lonnigan, Texas

Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.

Nov 2, 2003

Episode 9 - InsomniaE946m

Insomnia

Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.

Nov 9, 2003

Episode 10 - Hot and BotheredE1053m

Hot and Bothered

Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben to fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

Nov 16, 2003

Episode 11 - Day of the DeadE1155m

Day of the Dead

Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.

Nov 23, 2003

Episode 12 - The Day That Was the DayE1255m

The Day That Was the Day

A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.

Nov 30, 2003

Actors

Nick Stahl

Nick Stahl

Ben Hawkins

Michael J. Anderson

Michael J. Anderson

Samson

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall

Sofie

Cynthia Ettinger

Cynthia Ettinger

Rita Sue Dreifuss

Carla Gallo

Carla Gallo

Libby Dreifuss

Adrienne Barbeau

Adrienne Barbeau

Ruthie

Amy Madigan

Amy Madigan

Iris Crowe

Debra Christofferson

Debra Christofferson

Lila

Brian Turk

Brian Turk

Gabriel

John Carroll Lynch

John Carroll Lynch

Varlyn Stroud

Clancy Brown

Clancy Brown

Brother Justin Crowe

Tim DeKay

Tim DeKay

Clayton 'Jonesy' Jones

Toby Huss

Toby Huss

Felix 'Stumpy' Dreifuss

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